The Anambra State branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society has called on government, corporate bodies and individuals to step up support for its operations, warning that rising humanitarian needs are outpacing available resources.
Speaking to commemorate World Red Cross Day, branch chairman Prof. Charity Emelie said the organisation remains a frontline responder during emergencies, disasters and public health crises across the state, but is increasingly stretched by funding shortfalls.
“The humanitarian challenges are increasing at an astronomical rate while funding is dwindling. We need vehicles, ambulances, drugs and other relevant materials to continue serving vulnerable communities effectively,” she said, appealing specifically to government officials, development partners, local government authorities and private individuals for assistance.
She noted that the branch has bolstered its emergency capacity by training volunteers and establishing a Branch Rapid Response Team to handle disasters and medical emergencies, adding that support was also needed to sustain welfare programmes for vulnerable persons and motherless children’s homes in Onitsha and Nnewi.
Highlighting recent activities, Emelie disclosed that during the Anambra State elections, the society deployed 215 Emergency First Aid Team members, 465 trained first aiders and three operational vehicles across the state, attending to 35 casualties involving fainting, dislocations and other minor medical conditions.
She added that the branch has extended its humanitarian reach through regional and international partnerships. An ECOWAS-backed intervention delivered food items and cash support to approximately 1,000 households in Awka North and Ogbaru Local Government Areas, while a separate programme supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies provided cash assistance, non-food items and dignity kits to more than 1,000 households in Anambra West, Ayamelum and Ogbaru affected by disasters.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​